Sturgis Is This Weekend. Are You Prepared?
Main Street
The rally itself is a spectacle - streets packed with bikes, vendors hawking everything from turkey legs to tank tops, and strangers chatting like old friends. You walk. You look. You flirt. You eat. You marvel. 'Look at that bike.' 'Whoa, that one.' You are enveloped. You might catch a demo ride or find an aftermarket part to your liking, or a t-shirt or hat. They close parts of Main just for motorcycles.
But don't make the rookie mistake of staying parked in downtown Sturgis. The surrounding Black Hills are why many riders come back year after year - take time to explore.
A few must-sees:
Mount Rushmore – Go early to beat the crowds.
Crazy Horse Memorial – It's unfinished but epic.
Needle's Eye – Granite spires like something out of a fantasy novel.
Spearfish Canyon – Jaw-dropping cliffs, streams, and waterfalls. Take it slow.
Iron Mountain Road – Tight pigtail turns and narrow tunnels. Not for the faint-hearted or under-caffeinated.
Point your bike in any direction, though, and chances are you'll hit something worth looking at. It's that kind of place.
Get ready to party
Sturgis has a well-deserved reputation for no-holds barred celebrations, particularly as the sun goes down. By the end of the rally it's full throttle—music, mayhem, and a crowd ready to howl at the moon. If that's your scene, you won't have to look far.
But if you're more of the sunrise-rider, mountain-lake type, that's no problem. You'll find plenty of like-minded souls just vibing with the wind and the ride and the feeling of being away from the world.
What top bands are playing this year?
ZZ Top – Friday, August 1 at 10 PM
Gene Simmons – Sunday, August 3 at 10 PM
Five Finger Death Punch – Monday, August 4 at 10 PM
Jason Aldean – Tuesday, August 5 at 10 PM
Nickelback – Wednesday, August 6 at 10 PM
Marilyn Manson – Thursday, August 7 at 10 PM
Stone Temple Pilots – Friday, August 8 at 10 PM
Pop Evil – Saturday, August 9 (Time TBA)More stuff to know:
It's not kid-friendly.
Sturgis is a grown-up affair. Loud, rowdy, sometimes raunchy. Leave the kiddos at home.
There Isn't A Suit Or Tie For Miles
Leather. Chains. Bandanas. Tattoos. You'll see some of the most intimidating-looking folks alive. But don't be fooled. Underneath all that gear? Generous, warm-hearted riders who will go out of their way to help you out.
During my first trip, for example, I got lost looking for a photo spot. A mountain of a man ditched his lunch mid-bite and led me there himself. That kind of thing happens all the time. Just avoid the jerks and drunks and you'll be fine. Breakdown on the side of the road? Someone will stop and help. We're all in this together.
The Politics
This isn't Burning Man. Expect to see a lot of right-leaning gear, flags, and slogans. If you're easily rattled by a MAGA hat or some blunt bumper stickers, you might need to breathe through it.
Will I Spend A Lot Of Money?
You'll bleed cash just standing still, unless you plan ahead. $9 hot dogs, $6 bottles of water are par for the course. Like any major event, they know you're not riding ten miles out of town to get a better deal for a sandwich.
Want to save a buck, though? Hit a grocery store and picnic out of your truck bed like I did once with a buddy. Want souvenirs? Wait until the last day. Vendors are eager to unload what's left and prices come down fast.
Helmet Laws
South Dakota won't make you wear one. Neighboring states might. Bring it anyway. Your skull is worth it.
Bottom Line
Sturgis runs Friday, August 1, through Sunday, August 10, 2025. Whether you're going to rage, cruise, or quietly marvel, the place has something for you.
Ride safe.
—JM
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